Atlanta Braves' Chipper Jones, right, talks with New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter at the end of the third inning of a baseball game in which Jones hit a single, Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)— AP

Atlanta Braves' Chipper Jones, right, talks with New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter at the end of the third inning of a baseball game in which Jones hit a single, Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jonny Venters, right, is sent to the dugout by manager Fredi Gonzalez after giving up a grand slam to New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez in the eighth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)— AP

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jonny Venters, right, is sent to the dugout by manager Fredi Gonzalez after giving up a grand slam to New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez in the eighth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, left, gets a high-five from teammate Ivan Nova after hitting a grand slam in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)— AP

New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, left, gets a high-five from teammate Ivan Nova after hitting a grand slam in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, center, gets high-fives from teammates Mark Teixeira, left, and Derek Jeter after hitting a grand slam in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Atlanta. The Yankees won 6-4. (AP Photo/David Goldman)— AP

New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, center, gets high-fives from teammates Mark Teixeira, left, and Derek Jeter after hitting a grand slam in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in Atlanta. The Yankees won 6-4. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
/ AP

ATLANTA 
Alex Rodriguez took a grand swing into the record books Tuesday night, and now stands shoulder to shoulder with Lou Gehrig.

Rodriguez hit his 23rd career grand slam, matching Hall of Famer Gehrig's record, and the New York Yankees scored six runs in the eighth inning to rally for a 6-4 win over the Atlanta.

The Yankees had been only 10 for 67 (.149) with the bases loaded this season before Rodriguez hit his tying shot. Minutes later, Rodriguez paused to savor his shared place with Gehrig in baseball history.

"It means a lot," Rodriguez said. "It's very special. This game is very, very difficult. If you're not going to enjoy these great moments, then it's not any fun. Lou Gehrig is not only one of the all-time greats, but he's one of ours."

The Yankees matched their season high with a fifth straight win and moved into sole possession of first in the AL East when Tampa Bay lost to the Mets.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said it was "absolutely incredible" for Rodriguez to equal Gehrig's mark.

"It's hard to fathom what he's been able to do in his career," Girardi said. "To be mentioned with Lou Gehrig, that's special."

CC Sabathia (8-3) left trailing 4-0 after seven innings but was the beneficiary of the rally. The big lefty gave up four runs on a season-high 10 hits with two walks and six strikeouts.

Rodriguez was aware of the Yankees' struggles with the bases loaded.

"I almost felt like it was a swing for the team," Rodriguez said. "I felt like everybody needed that hit. We've all been waiting for it, but it definitely feels good to pick up our big man CC and to give our team a win."

The Yankees have won 10 of 12.

"What a game, right?" said a giddy Swisher. "It just goes to show you, you've got to play all 27 outs. We're that type of team. I think we're very resilient. We don't back down from any challenge regardless of what we're up against.

"Rod with that grand slam, that will tell people how we hit with the bases loaded," Swisher said. "It was awesome."

Rafael Soriano, who pitched in Atlanta from 2007-09, retired the Braves in order in the ninth for his 10th save of the season and the 100th of his career.

The Braves, who wasted a strong start by Mike Minor, have lost three straight.

Rodriguez had been 1 for 10 this season with the bases loaded before he lined the full-count pitch from Venters over the left field wall. Braves left fielder Martin Prado barely moved as he watched the homer clear the wall.

"I made a bad pitch and he crushed it," Venters said. "I have no excuses. I felt great mechanically. I felt great physically. I just fell behind some hitters. ... I threw a pitch right down the middle, 3-2, to one of the best hitters in the game.